BMW launches its updated 1-series, but you may need a second look—and to be in Europe—to spot the differences.

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BMW, the Bayerische Motoren Werke, has the word "motor" in its very name, and the brand used to be defined by a broad portfolio of excellent engines. In the past few years, that range has narrowed down to variations of 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter straight-six engines for most models, with the odd V-8, V-10, or V-12 powering upscale models. The face-lifted 1-series, launching now in Europe as a five-door hatchback, executes a radical break with the previous world of BMW engines: It will be powered exclusively by turbocharged four-cylinders.

Out With the Old . . . No, Wait. In With It Again

Thankfully, some things don't change—at least not yet, as the 2012 1-series will remain rear-wheel-drive. The 1-series will, however, become front-wheel-drive during its first full redesign, which will occur in the not-too-distant future. BMW research has found out that a vast majority of 1-series customers worldwide think their cars are front-drive anyway. (Ugh.)

Unlike the recently face-lifted coupe, the hatchback 1-series doesn't carry over any sheetmetal. You still might have to look twice to actually recognize the new hatchback, though. The dimensions are virtually identical to those of its predecessor, with only the wheelbase (increased by 1.2 inches) and front and rear track (both up by 2.2) changing significantly. The taillights look like the (technologically similar) Citroen DS3’s, while the rodent-like front end is unmistakably BMW. The side view is much more pleasant than before, thanks to the disappearance of the sagging lower-body line that can still be seen on the coupe.

Accidental Clarity a Rarity

The nomenclature of the new 1-series still obfuscates the actual engine displacement, which it matches only accidentally on a few models: The 134-hp 116i and the 168-hp 118i are both powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine co-developed with PSA and shared not only with the Mini family but also with a vast number of Peugeot and Citroën models. The 114-hp 116d, the 141-hp 118d, and the 181-hp 120d are all powered by BMW's own 2.0-liter diesel.

It gets more confusing when you dive into the technology: All engines are force-fed by “TwinPower turbo technology,” which a person might reasonably assume means there are two turbos. But, for the 1-series—as on other recent BMW engines—the misleading moniker means the engine is equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Despite their single turbo being single-scroll (at least it offers variable geometry), the diesels also are badged TwinPower.

There will also be more-powerful engines in the future, and the lineup will eventually grow to include a 114-hp 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, with a 1.6-liter diesel. Transmission choices are limited to a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic that is rechristened “sport automatic” when re-mapped and equipped with paddle shifters. Some versions will have a “driving experience switch,” which will offer drivers an “Eco Pro” mode that applies a more efficiency-minded operation not just to engine management, but the heating/air-conditioning system and the heated mirrors and seats as well. A display in the instrument cluster will inform the driver of mileage gains. Maybe BMW could also give dietary advice? Engineers labor over saved ounces; it’s probably easier for the driver to shave a few of their own pounds and net a larger increase in efficiency.

The next 1-series will launch in Europe this September; prices are yet to be announced. Don't expect to see the hatchback 1-series in the U.S. any time soon, though. If anything, our rear-wheel-drive 1-series coupe and convertible might evolve into a 2-series. While the firm’s consolidation of its engine portfolio might seem inevitable, we hate to think of its brilliant rear-drive chassis giving way to front-drive platforms en masse.